In her blog post, Emma described Bruce as a “pancake-maker, the get-out-in-the-snow-with-the-kids guy, the steady presence” who thrived during the festive season. She continued by reminding everyone that Bruce’s passion for the holiday season included vibrant energy, lots of family get-togethers, and beloved rituals. She said the way the family celebrates the holidays has forever changed by his illness.
Emma had a beautiful and authentic way of talking about the duality of grief and joy that happens this time of year. She noted that it is essential to recognize that “the joy doesn’t cancel out the sadness. The sadness doesn’t cancel out the joy. They coexist.” Her voice rings out with extraordinary clarity. She encourages all of us to embrace grief as a natural, worthy emotion during the holidays—a time of year that can foster both reflection and connection.
The couple has two daughters— Mabel and Evelyn. They are joined in the new clan by Bruce’s three older daughters Rumer, Scout and Tallulah, from his previous marriage to Demi Moore. Emma has been open about how dementia alters family life, stating, “When dementia is part of your family, ‘normal’ becomes a moving target.” This recognition goes beyond the adaptation that many families are already used to making in light of changing conditions.
Emma also recently presented at the End Well Project 2025 Conference in Los Angeles on November 20th, 2025. During her speech, she emphasized that “grief doesn’t only belong to death. It belongs to change and the ambiguous loss caregivers know so well.” Her observations are a needed reminder that caregivers live in a world with complicated emotions long after funerals.
As she wrote on her blog, she really hadn’t expected to be celebrating the way they’re celebrating now, it’s not that simple. Holiday events have changed — that much is true. Different doesn’t mean empty. It doesn’t mean broken. It doesn’t mean devoid of meaning. There is still connection. There is still love. There is still beauty, there is still happiness, there is still joy to be found,” she said.
Emma expressed her learning process through these challenges, saying, “I’ve learned that the holidays don’t disappear when dementia enters your life. They change.” Few chronicled their experience better than Charlotte. She described how experiences that used to bring simple pleasure now arrive “wrapped in an undertow of loss.” She’s disappointed by the losses, but still hopeful for the deeper connections and conversations that await in this season.
“Grief is not a sign of ingratitude. It’s a sign of love.” – Emma Heming Willis
